Gibson Les Paul Vintage Mahogany Guitar Review

It is likely a testament to Gibson's Les Paul model that there are hundreds of versions and copies on the market. Gibson themselves have, over the years, introduced several types of the Les Paul. Some of them have been a wild success, and others have struggled. One of these versions is the Les Paul Vintage Mahogany guitar. Let's take an in depth look at it to see what it has to offer.

Features: The body of the Vintage Mahogany Les Paul is made of, as you could probably infer, mahogany. Like other Les Pauls, some of the inner body is hollowed out to reduce weight. There are two finishes available with this guitar, which are worn cherry and brown. Neither have the glossed surface of other Les Pauls, which makes for the vintage look that has given this model its namesake. The neck is set into the body, and is also made of mahogany. It has a rosewood fretboard with twenty two total frets and pearloid trapezoid shaped inlays. All of the hardware on the Vintage Mahogany Les Pual, including the pickup covers and bridge, is chrome. The tuning heads, meanwhile, are plastic. Electronically, the guitar has two Alnico V humbucking pickups, two volume and two tone control knobs, and a three way selector switch for versatile tonal options.

Playability: Though Les Pauls are known more for their sound than their playability, this particular model has some nice qualities. The body, without the maple top, is much lighter than other models of the Les Paul. Additionally, the Tune-O-Matic bridge allows for easily adjustable string height. The only inherent drawback is that Gibson style necks, with their thick rounded shape, can at times be difficult to navigate for those less experienced.

Sound: Alnico V pickups, like those in the Vintage Mahogany Les Paul, are a point of contention among musicians. Some think they're a little weak, while others love the pure tone they tend to put out. There's not question, though, that in the hands of the right musician with the right equipment, the Vintage Mahogany Les Paul is very high quality and just as versatile.

Overall: Though the Vintage Mahogany Les Paul is on the lower end of Gibson's price range, it still plays right along with the top of the line. Although some of the aesthetic features are cut back, its playability is pretty decent, and the sound is all that you would expect from a Les Paul. You can find this guitar in music stores for about $1,000.